I recently experienced what appeared to be a negative reaction toward Anthony.  We were in an aisle in a grocery store when Anthony sneezed.  Although he didn't sneeze on anything in particular, a store clerk who came into the aisle just as it happened commented on it, and continued to do so as he walked by us.  At first I wasn't sure what to make of his comments, but then determined he was trying to make a point about it, so I said something about Anthony being autistic and not having an understanding of what he was doing.

Offhand, I can think of only two other instances of people reacting negatively toward Anthony and being unsatisfied with my explanation of him being autistic.  One also happened in a grocery store when Anthony suddenly got into a silly sort of mood and started jumping around.  In so doing, he bumped into a lady who was close by.  The other instance was at a zoo when Anthony went over to a baby stroller near us and tapped on the tray in front of the baby before I could reel him in.

These instances are clearly the exception to the rule; otherwise, I would never attempt to take Anthony outside. Thankfully, people are almost unfailingly understanding toward Anthony, or are at least willing to give him the benefit of the doubt even if they don't understand him well.

One thing not directly related to Anthony that bothers me, however, is a general use of the word "retarded" in society.  I hear people that I otherwise like and respect using that word which offends those who deal with people who are involuntarily mentally disadvantaged.  But the people I hear using the word are generally also not close enough to me to actively appeal for a change in their behavior.  Thus I fully support the "Spread The Word To End The Word" campaign at http://www.r-word.org/.  The more people that are made aware of this, the better it will be for a great many people.